TORCS - The Open Racing Car Simulator

Racing games are a genre in first-person or third-person perspective that enables you to enjoy the thrills of competing in high-speed competitions without the obvious health risks. While most games are simpler arcade types, there are also hardcore simulations that test both your driving skills and your automotive knowledge.

TORCS is a car racing simulation software. It is quick to install and it can be used either as a simple arcade game, an A.I. racing game or a research platform. Some system requirements must be met, so you should check if your computer is suitable to handle it.

The game offers plenty of cars, tracks and opponents. It supports joysticks, steering wheels and keyboard controls. It is designed to handle as many input devices as possible to provide a realistic experience.

The gameplay is straightforward. You set up your controls and drive a car in various scenarios: race, championship events, practice and so on. However, this game can become extremely difficult to master if you begin to tweak variables. Ride height, camber, springs, steer lock, brake ratio, and torque values can be configured to match your preferences.

Although this game is supposed to offer a realistic feel, it disappoints in the graphic department. The cars are roughly designed and the animations will not make you jump out of your seat. Damage is not displayed on the cars at all, regardless of how much your trash it.

On the whole, TORCS is an appropriately designed racing simulator that enables you to test your driving skills and numerous vehicles under various conditions. There are a few drawbacks here and there, making your life a bit difficult at times. The interface controls are not that intuitive. However, this game is free to use, and if you get past its faults, it is worth to try it out.